Full genome characterization of novel DS-1-like G9P[8] rotavirus strains that have emerged in Thailand

PLoS One. 2020 Apr 22;15(4):e0231099. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231099. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

The emergence and rapid spread of unusual DS-1-like intergenogroup reassortant rotaviruses having G1/3/8 genotypes have been recently reported from major parts of the world (Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas). During rotavirus surveillance in Thailand, three novel intergenogroup reassortant strains possessing the G9P[8] genotype (DBM2017-016, DBM2017-203, and DBM2018-291) were identified in three stool specimens from diarrheic children. In the present study, we determined and analyzed the full genomes of these three strains. On full-genomic analysis, all three strains were found to share a unique genotype constellation comprising both genogroup 1 and 2 genes: G9-P[8]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E2-H2. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that each of the 11 genes of the three strains was closely related to that of emerging DS-1-like intergenogroup reassortant, human, and/or locally circulating human strains. Thus, the three strains were suggested to be multiple reassortants that had acquired the G9-VP7 genes from co-circulating Wa-like G9P[8] rotaviruses in the genetic background of DS-1-like intergenogroup reassortant (likely equine-like G3P[8]) strains. To our knowledge, this is the first description of emerging DS-1-like intergenogroup reassortant strains having the G9P[8] genotype. Our observations will add to the growing insights into the dynamic evolution of emerging DS-1-like intergenogroup reassortant rotaviruses through reassortment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Diarrhea / genetics
  • Diarrhea / virology
  • Feces / virology
  • Genome, Viral / genetics*
  • Genomics
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Annotation
  • Phylogeny
  • Rotavirus / genetics*
  • Rotavirus / pathogenicity
  • Rotavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Rotavirus Infections / genetics*
  • Rotavirus Infections / virology
  • Thailand / epidemiology
  • Whole Genome Sequencing*

Grants and funding

This study was supported in part by the Thailand-Japan Research Collaboration Center on Emerging and Re-emerging Infections, RCC-ERI (NT), and the RONPAKU (Dissertation PhD) Program, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) (RT). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.